I had the day off work yesterday and went to Woodhorn Mining Museum and Northumberland Archives near Ashington in Northumberland.
I have been before, it’s a good place to visit there are a lot of things to see. It’s free entry except for £3 car parking. In the corridor up to the first floor there are these mining banners, all painted representing different mines in the area and events of the time.
There are a few art exhibition rooms upstairs which seem to be different every time we go, but we went to see an exhibition called Dressing the Stars which housed costumes from films like The King’s Speech, A Room with a View, Shakespeare in Love, and a few more.
There are a few art exhibition rooms upstairs which seem to be different every time we go, but we went to see an exhibition called Dressing the Stars which housed costumes from films like The King’s Speech, A Room with a View, Shakespeare in Love, and a few more.
This was my favourite, from Shakespeare in Love, Imelda Staunton wears it:
I liked the construction of the jacket, capped sleeves and corseted at the front. I think those white cuffs were because they would remove them and put clean ones on. It must have been very heavy. The fabric of the dress was a heavy fabric too. Unfortunately the detail was more about the films and costume designers rather than what sort of fabrics were used and why. The dress was like upholstery or curtain fabric.
This dress was behind, worn by Judi Dench also in Shakepeare in Love.
This dress was behind, worn by Judi Dench also in Shakepeare in Love.
Judi Dench must be short! The dress and cape were pretty amazing, I liked the pearls sewn around the edges. The camera on my phone doesn't really do it justice. I think it was made with heavy satin or silk, the fabric had a lot of hand stitching work in it too.
I really like Jane Austen books and film adaptations, and these were from Sense and Sensibility: Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood and Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars.
I really like Jane Austen books and film adaptations, and these were from Sense and Sensibility: Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood and Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars.
The Edward Ferrars model even stood like Hugh Grant does, uncomfortable and awkward. The Elinor dress doesn't look that amazing but you can see the pattern is horizontal and it had three panels in the back which were all even and straight. There was quite a bit of detail on that apron too. I don't really like it in the movie, Elinor looks a bit of a frump, but it reflects her character. There was also Marianne’s straw hat, but seemed a bit daft taking a photo of a plain hat!
The Young Victoria is one of my favourite films at the minute, Emily Blunt plays Queen Victoria when she was a Princess aged 17 to when she becomes queen and marries Prince Albert. These were from the film, Victoria’s outfit from when I think Albert and Ernest first visit (though I can't find a still from the film to make sure), and Albert’s outfit from their wedding (played by Rupert Friend).
The Young Victoria is one of my favourite films at the minute, Emily Blunt plays Queen Victoria when she was a Princess aged 17 to when she becomes queen and marries Prince Albert. These were from the film, Victoria’s outfit from when I think Albert and Ernest first visit (though I can't find a still from the film to make sure), and Albert’s outfit from their wedding (played by Rupert Friend).
Albert's jacket looks much wider than Rupert Friend actually is, he's a slim chap and so was Albert too, I guess the mannequin spoils it.
I’m reading a book about Queen Victoria from when she is a child right through her reign. She is the longest reigning monarch in history; 63 years and 7 months. Emily Blunt plays a good part in the film, just how she is described in the book which uses quotes from letters of the time and from Victoria’s journals. I'm not particularly into the royal family, just interested in Queen Victoria's life and the person she was. She does not seem to be so severe as she is apparently known for, and she and Albert did a lot for the country, so I like her.
Naomi x
I’m reading a book about Queen Victoria from when she is a child right through her reign. She is the longest reigning monarch in history; 63 years and 7 months. Emily Blunt plays a good part in the film, just how she is described in the book which uses quotes from letters of the time and from Victoria’s journals. I'm not particularly into the royal family, just interested in Queen Victoria's life and the person she was. She does not seem to be so severe as she is apparently known for, and she and Albert did a lot for the country, so I like her.
Naomi x